Product filler assembly having a nozzle cutoff assembly

ABSTRACT

A product filler assembly (i.e., fill valve) configured for use in association with any number of flowable material, however, it is particularly well suited for flowable material that is otherwise difficult to fill due to viscosity, surface tension and/or poor separation characteristics. Most preferably, the device is configured to provide a laminar flow of the product being filled, proportional to the size of the package. The product filler assembly includes a nozzle cutoff assembly which directs air or other fluids at the opening of the product filler assembly to separate the flowable material from the filler assembly and to reduce seal contamination of packages or containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates in general to a product filler assembly (commonly referred to as a fill valve), and more particularly, to a product filler assembly having a nozzle cutoff assembly which is configured to fill otherwise difficult to fill flowable material while minimizing contamination of the seal. The nozzle cutoff assembly separates the flowable material from the fill valve once filling has ceased.

2. Background Art

Equipment for filling packages or containers typically includes a fill valve (also termed a product filler assembly in the present disclosure) that accurately meters flowable material (which may be a liquid, gel, paste, or other material which can be of varying viscosity but which can be directed to flow) into a package or container.

Whereas liquids that have the viscosity of water or the like are easily filled through such equipment, syrup and other thicker or relatively less flowable materials tend to be more difficult to fill with conventional filling equipment. Often such flowable material does not properly separate from the fill valve, and thus, can drip onto the container or package. This can often occur proximate the seal area, and can cause seal contamination.

Typically, with such relatively difficult flowable materials, a cutoff device is positioned so as to cover the discharge opening. A blast of air is provided to the cutoff device to aid in the separating of the product from the fill valve. Generally, the cutoff device comprises tubing that is generally directed at the fill valve opening. Problematically, the tubing is not precisely directed and often, the results are less than desirable.

To further exacerbate the problems associated with the discharge of such flowable material, the configuration of the fill valve leads to spraying and “fan-tailing” due to the flow characteristics near the opening (i.e., turbulent flow characteristics).

It is an object of the present invention to limit “fan-tailing” and spraying from a fill valve.

It is another object of the present invention to limit the contamination of seals for packages and containers due to the failure to separate the flow of flowable material from fill valves.

It is another object of the invention to provide a nozzle cutoff assembly which facilitates the separation of flowable material from a fill valve.

These objects as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed to a product filler assembly (fill valve) comprising a fill tube and a nozzle cutoff assembly. The fill tube includes an opening for the passage of a flowable material. The opening is selectively opened and closed to selectively allow or preclude the passage of a flowable material therethrough. The nozzle cutoff assembly includes at least one nozzle fixed in orientation to the opening of the fill tube. The nozzle is selectively activated to direct one of a gas and a fluid therethrough.

In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle cutoff assembly includes a pair of nozzle cutoff assemblies on opposing sides of the opening. Each nozzle is configured to selectively direct a stream one of a gas and a fluid toward the opening of the fill tube.

In another preferred embodiment, the stream from the first of the pair of nozzles and the stream from the second pair of nozzles are mirror images of each other on opposing sides of the opening of the fill tube. The pair of streams are angled to meet under the opening in a centrally located orientation.

In another preferred embodiment, the stream from the first of the pair of nozzles and the stream from the second pair of nozzles are radially offset from each other. Such a configuration imparts a rotational flow downstream of the opening of the fill tube.

In a preferred embodiment, the stream from the first of the pair of nozzles and the stream form the second pair of nozzles are spaced apart from the opening so that the first one of the pair of nozzles is downstream of the opening further than the second one of the pair of nozzles. As a result, the streams intersect in an offset manner downstream of the opening of the fill tube.

In another preferred embodiment, each of the nozzles is inclined at an angle relative to the opening, at an angle of between 15° and 60°.

Preferably, the fill tube includes a lower fill tube member having a lower cavity. The lower cavity has a reduced cross-sectional configuration and is elongated so as to facilitate laminar flow of the flowable material therethrough.

In a preferred embodiment, the fill tube further includes a plunger which selectively opens and closes the lower opening passage. Such a configuration selectively allows and precludes the flow of flowable material therethrough.

In another preferred embodiment, the plunger further includes a sealing end which is of a substantially hemispherical configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the lower fill tuber member further includes an elongated duckbill valve. The duckbill valve includes an elongated passage to facilitate a laminar flow of the flowable material therethrough. The duckbill valve has a duckbill opening at a second end thereof. When the flowable material is directed toward and into contact with the second end of the duckbill valve at a predetermined pressure, the duckbill opening opens and allows the passage of flowable material therethrough.

In another preferred embodiment, the fill tube includes an adapter member and a retainer member. Each includes a central passage. The elongated duckbill valve includes a flange which is sandwiched between the adapter member and the retainer member in sealing engagement.

In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle cutoff assembly includes at least one cutoff nozzle which is integrally formed with the retainer member.

In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle cutoff assembly is rigidly coupled to and rigidly located relative to the opening, to, in turn, allow for the precise direction of a fluid or gas from the nozzle relative to the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular, the plunger in the closed configuration;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, which corresponds to that which is shown in FIG. 2, with the plunger in the open configuration, allowing for the passage of flowable material therethrough;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally about lines 4-4 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular, the opposing guide members as well as the plunger in the closed configuration;

FIG. 5 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular, the streams A and B of air (or other fluid or gas) extending beyond the lower opening passage and the sealing end of the plunger, with the streams A and B being symmetrical and meeting centrally therebelow;

FIG. 6 of the drawings is a partial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular, the streams A and B of air (or other fluid or gas) extending beyond the lower opening passage and the sealing end of the plunger, with the streams A and B being symmetrical and meeting centrally therebelow, and showing the inclination angle a of the nozzle opening 66;

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, and, showing, in particular, the stream B of air (or other fluid or gas) extending beyond the lower opening passage and the sealing end of the plunger;

FIG. 8 of the drawings is a perspective view of a variation of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, showing, in particular, the streams A and B of air (or other fluid or gas) extending beyond the lower opening passage and the sealing end of the plunger, with the streams A and B being radially offset to impart a circular or otherwise rotational circulation;

FIG. 9 of the drawings is a perspective view of a variation of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, similar to that shown in FIG. 8, showing, in particular, the streams A and B of air (or other fluid or gas) extending beyond the lower opening passage and the sealing end of the plunger, with the streams A and B being radially offset to impart a circular or otherwise rotational circulation, and with the streams being displaced downstream from the lower opening passage different distances, so as to offset the intersection of streams A and B;

FIG. 10 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the variation of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly shown in FIG. 9, showing, in particular, the offset of the intersection of the two streams;

FIG. 11 of the drawings is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 of the drawings is a cross-sectional perspective view of the second embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally about lines 12-12 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 of the drawings is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the first embodiment of the product filler assembly having the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present disclosure, taken generally about lines 13-13 of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, the product filler assembly (fill valve) is shown generally at 10. The product filler assembly is configured for use in association with any number of flowable material, however, it is particularly well suited for flowable material that is otherwise difficult to fill due to viscosity, surface tension and/or poor separation characteristics. Most preferably, the device is configured to provide a laminar flow of the product being filled, proportional to the size of the package or container.

Generally, and with reference to FIG. 2, the product filler assembly includes fill tube 12, plunger 14 and nozzle cutoff assembly 16. The fill tube 12 includes upper fill tube member 20 and lower fill tube member 22. The upper fill tube member includes first end 24, second end 26 and includes a cross-sectional configuration 28. In the embodiment shown, product is supplied to first end 24 in any one of a number of different manners. In some embodiments, the first end 24 is coupled to a reservoir or other flowable material storage container. The second end 26 is spaced apart therefrom so that the upper fill tube member 20 comprises an elongated tubular member. The cross-sectional configuration 28 comprises a substantially uniformly circular configuration, although other configurations are likewise contemplated. Generally, the upper fill tube comprises a stainless steel member, although other materials are likewise contemplated.

The lower fill tube member 22 comprises a first end 30, second end 32, upper cavity 34 and lower cavity 36 (FIG. 3). The first end 30 is in fluid communication with the second end 26 of the upper fill tube member 20. Generally the second end 32 is spaced apart therefrom and includes the opening from which the flowable material exits the fill tube. The upper cavity includes a cross-sectional configuration 40 which includes a portion that is of greater cross-sectional area than the upper fill tube, and a transition is provided from the upper fill tube to the larger cross-sectional area. This area is commonly referred to as the spreader. Opposing guide member 42 (FIG. 4) are provided within the upper cavity which serve to guide the plunger to insure that the plunger remains in position to seal the lower opening passage. As the upper cavity meets the lower cavity 36, the cross-sectional configuration transitions to a smaller cross-sectional area. In the embodiment shown, the inner configuration of the lower end of the upper cavity 34 comprises a substantially hemispherical configuration 44. Of course other configurations are likewise contemplated.

The lower cavity 36 extends from the upper cavity 34. The lower cavity is configured to cooperate with the plunger 14 to seal the lower opening passage 49. The lower cavity includes an elongated walled portion 48 which is configured to allow the flowable material to resume a laminar flow after passing the plunger 14 (when the plunger 14 is spaced apart from the lower opening passage 49). The lower opening passage 49 is of a smaller cross-sectional area than the elongated walled portion 48 so that it seals with the plunger 14 to control flow therethrough.

The plunger 14 includes upper shaft portion 50 and lower shaft portion 52. The upper shaft portion 50 extends through the upper and lower fill tube members 20, 22 and is controlled through any number of different means. For example, the plunger can be controlled through an air cylinder, pneumatic systems, a stepper motor or the like. The lower shaft portion 52 includes a sealing end 54 with an outer surface shape 56. In the embodiment shown, the outer surface shape is substantially hemispherical, so that a hemispherical portion extends beyond the lower opening passage 49. The plunger can be cycled between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, flowable material is directed through the opening. Of course, the amount and rate of flowable material can be varied by the positioning of the plunger. In the closed position, the flowable material is precluded from direction through the opening.

The nozzle cutoff assembly 16 comprises a first cutoff nozzle 60 and second cutoff nozzle 70. The first cutoff nozzle 60 is mounted proximate the lower cavity and the second cutoff nozzle 70 is likewise positioned proximate the lower cavity and spaced apart from the first cutoff nozzle 60. Specifically the two cutoff nozzles, in the embodiment shown, are on opposite sides of each other. As the lower fill tube member is substantially circular in cross-section, the two cutoff nozzles are separated by approximately 180°. The two cutoff nozzles are fixedly attached to the fill tube so that they do not move relative to the fill tube and so that they are fixedly locatable with respect to the lower opening passage 49. It will be understood that the nozzle cutoff assembly extends about the lower fill tube member and the nozzle openings are machined therein, so that the rigidity and the fixed relationship between the nozzle openings and the lower opening passage can be carefully maintained. Indeed, the nozzle cutoff assembly fully encases the lower fill tube assembly to enhance rigidity.

The first cutoff nozzle 60 includes inlet 62 and outlet 64. The inlet 62 is coupled to an outside source of air or other gas or fluid (i.e., oxygen, nitrogen or other gasses or combinations of gasses, as well as liquids). In addition, a valve is positioned upstream of the inlet 62 which is configured to controllably allow or preclude the passage of gas through the first cutoff nozzle 60. The outlet 64 includes a nozzle opening 66 which is a carefully machined opening that is configured to direct, very precisely, the gas toward the lower opening passage 49 and the sealing end 54 of the lower shaft portion.

Similarly, the second cutoff nozzle 70 includes inlet 72 and outlet 74. The inlet 72 is coupled to an outside source of air or other gas or fluid (i.e., oxygen, nitrogen or other gasses or combinations of gasses, as well as liquids). In addition, a valve is positioned upstream of the inlet 72 which is configured to controllably allow or preclude the passage of gas through the first cutoff nozzle 70. The outlet 74 includes a nozzle opening 76 which is a carefully machined opening that is configured to direct, very precisely, the gas toward the lower opening passage 49 and the sealing end 54 of the lower shaft portion.

Significantly, the first and second cutoff nozzles are configured to have very specific paths of air that are directed from the respective nozzle openings 66, 76. Generally, these nozzles are precisely machined so as specifically direct air (or other fluid or gas) along a very specifically desired path. The path of the air stream from the first nozzle opening 66 is denoted by the reference character A and the air stream from the second nozzle opening 68 is denoted by the reference character B. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the first and second nozzle openings are uniformly spaced and the nozzles are substantially mirror images of each other. As such, the stream A and the stream B are generally symmetrical and collide with each other directly below the lower opening passage and about the outer surface of the sealing end 54 of the plunger 14. Such a direction of air essentially contacts the outer surface shape of the plunger (which is substantially hemispherical), tangentially which has the effect of separating the product from the plunger and the fill tube.

In an embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 7, the stream from one of the nozzles can be interrupted or stopped so that only a single stream from one of the nozzles is presented.

Additionally, and with reference to FIG. 6 while it is understood that the nozzles are inclined at an angle a of approximately 45° in the embodiment shown, variations are contemplated so that the nozzles intersect are a desired location and so that the angle at which the resulting gas stream co-acts with the fill tube and the plunger can be altered. For example, angles of between 15° and 60° are contemplated, as well as larger and smaller angles of inclination. Finally, the distance from the lower opening passage can likewise be varied, which together with the angle of the nozzle can lead to numerous configurations of the nozzles and different interactions between streams of gas flowing from the nozzles.

In another embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the stream A and the stream B can be radially offset such that a swirling effect can be achieved below the lower opening passage.

In yet another embodiment, as is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 the second nozzle opening 76 can be spaced further downstream from the lower opening passage 49 than the first nozzle opening 66. In such an embodiment, the stream A and the stream B meet offset from the center of the lower opening passage 49. In the embodiment shown, the two streams are likewise radially offset. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that such streams may also be at different inclined angles α, although in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, they are substantially identical inclined angles.

In operation of these embodiments, it will be understood that the plunger 14 is moved away from the lower opening passage 49 to initiate the flow of flowable material.

Generally, the product filler assembly is configured for use with otherwise difficult to fill flowable materials. Advantageously, the extended passage allows for the flowable material to remain in a laminar flow condition which aids in the filling of containers by the product filler assembly. In addition, such a configuration, significantly, reduces and/or prevents “fan-tailing” and/or spraying from the end of the tube.

Once the desired quantity of flowable material has been metered through the product filler assembly, the plunger is directed back into position to stop the passage of flowable material through the lower opening passage 49. In particular, the sealing end 54 of the lower shaft portion 52 of the plunger 14 sealingly engages the lower opening passage 49 of the lower fill tube member 22, thereby stopping the flow of flowable material therethrough.

To insure that the flowable material is placed within the package or container that is to be filled, and not retained at the lower opening passage 49 or on the plunger 14, the nozzle cutoff assembly is activated. In particular, the first cutoff nozzle and/or the second cutoff nozzle are actuated thereby directing a stream of air (or other fluid or gas) at or near the lower opening passage 49 and/or the plunger 14. The nozzles are actuated for a predetermined period of time, at which time the streams are stopped. It will be understood that one or more streams may be activated for like or different periods of time, and they may be actuated continuously, or sequentially or simultaneously in an intermittent manner. The disclosure is not limited to any particular pattern of streams that are directed by the nozzles for any particular time periods or in any particular pattern.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9 through 11. In such an embodiment, a duckbill valve is utilized to control the flow through the product filler assembly in place of a plunger. Such an embodiment, although having a different configuration, nevertheless utilizes the nozzle cutoff assembly of the present invention. It will be understood that similar structures have been given the same reference number in the second embodiment as they were in the first embodiment.

In such an embodiment, the fill tube 12 includes the upper fill tube member 20 and the lower fill tube member 22. The upper fill tube member includes first end 24, second end 26 and cross-sectional configuration 28. The lower fill tuber member 22 includes adapter member 130, retainer member 140 and elongated duckbill valve 150. The adapter member 130 includes upper end 132 which extends from second end 24 of the upper fill tube member 20, and lower end 134. The lower end 134 includes cavity 135. As will be explained, the flange 158 of the elongated duckbill valve 150 is contained therein.

The adapter member 130 includes an outer surface 136 upon which threadform 139 is positioned. Further, a central passage 138 extends through the adapter member 130 which corresponds to the cross-sectional configuration 28 of the upper fill tube member 20 and which is in fluid communication therewith.

The retainer member 140 includes upper end 142, lower end 144, central bore 146 and central passage 148 and recess surface 145. The central bore 146 includes threadform 149 which corresponds to the threadform 139 of the adapter member 130. The central passage 148 substantially corresponds to the central passage 138 of the adapter member 130 and is in fluid communication therewith.

The elongated duckbill valve 150 is shown in FIG. 9 as comprising first end 152, second end 154 and elongated passage 156. It will be understood that the duckbill valve 150 comprises an elastomeric member, which upon the application of pressure will elastically deform so as to selectively open the duckbill opening 159 of the second end 154. The first end 152 includes flange 158 which is sandwiched within the recess surface 145 of the retainer member and the cavity 135 of the adapter member, when the threadform 149 and the threadform 139 are matingly engaged. In addition, the flange sealingly engages these surfaces in a substantially fluid-tight configuration.

In operation, as the fluid is directed through the fill tube, and through the elongated duckbill valve, the elongated central passage of 156 provides such distance so as to foster a laminar flow therewithin. Continued pressure of the fluid elastically deforms the duckbill opening 159 to permit the passage of fluid therethrough. Of course, it will be understood that by varying the materials, the construction and the particular configuration of the elongated duckbill, different opening pressures, and sizes of the opening can be achieved.

As with the first embodiment, when the fluid ceases to be expelled through the duckbill opening 159, the nozzle cutoff assembly 16 is employed. Specifically, the nozzles are turned on to direct the passage of air (or other fluid or gas) near the duckbill opening 159. The particular timing and duration of the streams of air (or other fluid or gas) can be varied. The various streams may be continuous or they may be intermittent and for varying durations. In addition, the configurations and variations in the positioning of the nozzles can be applied to the second embodiment so that different streams can be realized.

It will be understood that with the present disclosure of the nozzle cutoff assembly, such an assembly and the principles of the present disclosure may be adapted to different product filler assemblies and to different configurations of product filler assemblies in addition to those that are shown. It will be understood that through the specific placement of the nozzles and the particular configurations of the nozzles that direct a very precise stream of air (or other fluid or gas) to the opening passage of the product filler assembly (i.e., the lower opening passage 49, or near the sealing end 54 of the plunger 14, or the duckbill opening 159 of the second embodiment) insure that the flowable material is directed properly into the package or the container and does not remain on the product filler assembly or does not contaminate the surroundings.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A product filler assembly comprising: fill tube having an opening for the passage of a flowable material, the opening being selectively opened and closed to selectively allow or preclude the passage of a flowable material therethrough; and a nozzle cutoff assembly including at least one nozzle fixed in orientation to the opening of the fill tube, the nozzle being selectively activated to direct one of a gas and a fluid therethrough.
 2. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the nozzle cutoff assembly includes a pair of nozzle cutoff assemblies on opposing sides of the opening, each nozzle configured to selectively direct a stream one of a gas and a fluid toward the opening of the fill tube.
 3. The product filler assembly of claim 2 wherein the stream from the first of the pair of nozzles and the stream from the second pair of nozzles are mirror images of each other on opposing sides of the opening of the fill tube, wherein the pair of streams are angled to meet under the opening in a centrally located orientation.
 4. The product filler assembly of claim 2 wherein the stream from the first of the pair of nozzles and the stream from the second pair of nozzles are radially offset from each other so as to impart a rotational flow downstream of the opening of the fill tube.
 5. The product filler assembly of claim 2 wherein the stream from the first of the pair of nozzles and the stream form the second pair of nozzles are spaced apart from the opening so that the first one of the pair of nozzles is downstream of the opening further than the second one of the pair of nozzles so as to have the streams intersect in an offset manner downstream of the opening of the fill tube.
 6. The product filler assembly of claim 2 wherein each of the nozzles is inclined at an angle relative to the opening, at an angle of between 15° and 60°.
 7. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the fill tube includes a lower fill tube member having a lower cavity, the lower cavity having a reduced cross-sectional configuration and being elongated so as to facilitate laminar flow of the flowable material therethrough.
 8. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the fill tube further includes a plunger which selectively opens and closes the lower opening passage, thereby selectively allowing and precluding the flow of flowable material therethrough.
 9. The product filler assembly of claim 8 wherein the plunger further includes a sealing end which is of a substantially hemispherical configuration.
 10. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the lower fill tuber member further includes an elongated duckbill valve, the duckbill valve including an elongated passage to facilitate a laminar flow of the flowable material therethrough, and the duckbill valve having a duckbill opening at a second end thereof, whereupon the direction of flowable material toward and into contact with the second end of the duckbill valve at a predetermined pressure causes the duckbill opening to open and allow the passage of flowable material therethrough.
 11. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the fill tube includes an adapter member and a retainer member, each with a central passage, the elongated duckbill valve including a flange which is sandwiched between the adapter member and the retainer member in sealing engagement.
 12. The product filler assembly of claim 11 wherein the nozzle cutoff assembly includes at least one cutoff nozzle which is integrally formed with the retainer member.
 13. The product filler assembly of claim 1 wherein the nozzle cutoff assembly is rigidly coupled to the and rigidly located relative to the opening, to, in turn, allow for the precise direction of a fluid or gas from the nozzle relative to the opening. 